Groupe Utalii Kwetu’s Angaza Energy project is a transformative initiative aimed at supporting conservation efforts and economic development in the DRC by increasing access to electricity in rural areas.
While the national electrification rate in the DRC has risen from less than 10% to about 20%, rural electrification remains stagnant at less than 1%. This is due to the failure of many rural electrification projects that lack a comprehensive approach.
Since February 2020, Groupe Utalii Kwetu has been operating a hydroelectric mini-grid in Mambumo Village and conducting various feasibility studies to conduct pilot – tests, understand the approach and develop a replicable model for rural electrification.
The initial set of studies led by our national coordinator Mr Veridique Musambaghani, conducted in 2020, led to the acquisition of the Mambumo hydroelectric mini-grid as a pilot project. This marked the official launch of the Angaza Energy project.
In summer this year, we were glad to receive Daniela Asifiwe Bushiri, a PHD Candidate at Columbia Engineering and 2024 Global Energy Fellow. Through the David Leuschen Global Energy Fellows Program, Daniela is using her background in chemical engineering to develop sustainable solutions in clean energy.
Daniela Asifiwe Bushiri’s feasibility study examines the possibilities of revamping a hydroelectric mini-grid on the Mambumo River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to enhance rural electrification in the village. Conducted during her 3 month internship with Groupe Utalii Kwetu’s Angaza Energy project, the study targets sustainable energy solutions for the local population and evaluates both the technical and socio-economic feasibility of the mini-grid.
Project Overview
As a part of the feasibility study, a comprehensive community survey was conducted to assess the specific energy needs and aspirations of the villagers. This valuable data will inform the design and implementation of a tailored mini-grid solution. Based on that, a detailed techno-economic analysis was undertaken to determine the optimal configuration and cost-effectiveness of the system.
Current Status and Challenges
The Angaza Energy project micro power station is currently operational, but its energy utilization is suboptimal, with only 5.7% of the generated power being consumed. The current customer base is limited to 30, comprising 24 households and 6 businesses. However, the project’s potential is vast, with the projected customer base reaching 1000 households and 40 businesses.
A significant challenge hindering the project’s full potential is the need for equipment modernization to optimize energy output and distribution. The estimated upgrade costs range from $50,000 to $100,000.
Results of the feasibility Study
The feasibility study was conducted to assess the potential for establishing locally owned businesses that can utilize the energy generated and to revamp the mini-grid infrastructure to boost energy production and reach far more households of Mambumo Village.
Survey Insights:
- Energy Access: Of 71 respondents, only 30% have consistent access to electricity, with most relying on firewood for cooking.
- Wealth Distribution: The majority earn less than $50 per month, often in households with more than five members, and electricity access is closely tied to income level.
- Agricultural Practices: Cassava is a primary crop with significant wastage due to a lack of buyers and drying resources. Many respondents expressed interest in industrial drying facilities to reduce waste and increase productivity.
- Productive Energy Use: There’s a strong desire for electricity to support industrial drying, public lighting, job creation, and cooking solutions.
Techno-Economic Analysis (Angaza Energy Project):
Bushiri used survey data and technical models to forecast demand and analyzed the mini-grid’s capacity (60% capacity factor). The study found that half of the grid’s output could support industrial drying of cassava, potentially saving up to 200,000 kg annually, while 10% could power community resources, like lighting and charging stations.
The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) was also calculated to guide future tariffs, aiming for at least $0.10/kWh to maintain financial viability. The study concludes that with investment in infrastructure, productive uses, and community support, the mini-grid could significantly improve quality of life and economic opportunities in the area.
We would like to acknowledge the significant contributions of Ardhi Yetu, a US-based nonprofit organization, for their generous support in funding the data collection phase of this feasibility study.
We also express our sincere gratitude to Ms. Daniela A. Bushiri for her exceptional work and dedication to the Angaza Energy project. Her expertise and commitment have been instrumental in advancing our project goals.
We commend the Global Energy Policy at Columbia University for cultivating such talented individuals and empowering them to address critical energy challenges
